The Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) at the University of Medical Sciences Teaching Hospital (UNIMEDTH) in Ondo State has commenced an indefinite strike over unpaid salaries and poor working conditions.

On Monday, the doctors held a peaceful protest at the UNIMEDTH facility in Ondo town to press their demands, which include resolving salary payment discrepancies, implementing the new minimum wage, and clearing outstanding hazard allowance arrears.

Other demands include settling arrears owed to ARD members, providing adequate accommodation for resident doctors within the hospital premises, and recruiting additional doctors to address staff shortages.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, ARD President Olaogbe Kehinde announced the strike, citing the unbearable burden on the doctors due to unpaid arrears and other entitlements.

Olaogbe noted that many doctors in the state had resigned or left without notice due to unfavorable working conditions, adding that several appeals to the hospital management had gone unanswered.

Reacting to the strike, UNIMEDTH Chief Medical Director Dr. Gbala Michael acknowledged the doctors’ concerns and disclosed that the state government would meet with the striking doctors to resolve the issues. He urged the ARD to allow further dialogue for a resolution.